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(Updated 4:08 p.m.) Some 100 armed followers of former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari have attacked Zamboanga City Monday and taken at least 20 people hostage, city mayor Isabelle "Beng" Climaco-Salazar said.

"As of now 20 people are being held hostage. (We believe) the main target of the MNLF in encroaching Zamboanga City is to (declare) independence in City Hall. We are securing City Hall," she said in an interview on dzBB radio.

In a statement released later in the day, Climaco said six people were killed while 24 others were wounded in the violence.

"Since the start of the crisis at around 4:30 a.m. today, the Zamboanga City Police Office report(ed) that six people were killed — one policemen, one Navy personnel and four civilians and 24 wounded in the course of the encounter between government troops and the rebels," she said.

Classes, work suspended

In the dzBB interview, Climaco said the city government has declared "no classes and no work" due to the tense situation.

In an advisory, the Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the cancellation of all its remaining flights in and out of Zamboanga Monday “to ensure the safety of its passengers amid the ongoing security concerns in the city.”

“The cancelled PAL Express flights are Manila-Zamboanga-Manila scheduled for tonight and flights bound for Jolo, Davao and Cebu,” the country's flag carrier said, adding that passengers may arrange for a rebooking or refund with any PAL or PAL Express ticket office.

"The authorities are responding to the situation in a manner that will reduce the risk to innocent civilians and restore peace and order to Zamboanga City at the soonest possible time," Malacañang said in a statement.

According to Task Force Zamboanga chief Col. Andreilino Colina, the group was trying to force their way into the city, specifically to take over City Hall. "Gusto nila na pumunta ng City Hall at itaas yung bandila nila," Colina said on GMA News TV's "News to Go."

The mayor also said they are establishing evacuation centers for residents of at least three villages whose residents were evacuated earlier Monday.

A dialogue was ongoing with a rival faction of the MNLF in Zamboanga. An MNLF official claimed that the MNLF fighters who engaged the military were intended to be security for Misuari. Colina said he suspects the incursion of Misuari's men was meant to disrupt the dialogue with his rivals.

Misuari had declared independence last August for much of Muslim Mindanao and even Sabah. But this is the first movement by his troops to pursue that claim.

Mayor Climaco added the city government was not advised that the armed men were to escort Misuari in the area.

Also, she asked the national government to hold dialogues with the MNLF outside Zamboanga City.

"We do not want dialogues held in Zamboanga City. The people of Zamboanga City are not part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao," she said.

Soldier killed

Earlier Monday, a soldier was killed, while at least six others were wounded, during a clash between the armed forces and suspected MNLF gunmen before dawn in Zamboanga City.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines public information office, said the encounter occurred off the coast of Rio Hondo in Zamboanga City.

Some members of the MNLF, where the MILF came from, have expressed dismay over the framework agreement. "Talagang nagkakaroon ng hinanakit ang MNLF headed by Nur Misuari," said Hashim, who noted the attack could be part of the plan following Misuari's declaration of independence in Talipao, Sulu on August 12.

However, Hashim said Misuari's group is separate from the Islamic Command Council. "He has his own command, he is responsible for the action of his men, mga MNLF under him. We have are own, and at this point in time we are still for the peace process," Hashim said.

He emphasized that the peace talks between the government and the MNLF were not yet over, with the Tripartite Implementation Review of the government-MNLF 1996 peace agreement scheduled this month. "As far as the 1996 peace agreement, sabi ng gobyerno hindi naman scrapped o abrogated. Nandoon pa rin," he said.

An earlier dzBB report said the encounter started at 1 a.m. when the Misuari gunmen approached the city via the coastal village of Mariki.

The fighters exchanged gunfire with Navy personnel and members of Task Force Zamboanga. At least one suspected Misuari fighter was reported wounded in the shootout.

According to Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Franco Alano, at least 60 armed men believed to be MNLF members swooped down at Rio Hondo around 1:30 a.m.

"We are at the outer perimeter at present. It's hard to use the military in an urban center, there might be collateral damages. Our men are used to mountains so we're letting the police handle the situation," Alano said, adding that they have yet to confirm if Misuari is really involved.

Residents in Mariki, Sta. Barbara and Rio Hondo villages were evacuated because of the clashes. Businesses were also closed and classes were suspended in the city, radio dzBB's correspondent JV Francisco reported.

Following the encounter, security was tightened in the city, with military and police personnel establishing security checkpoints.

The city government is to convene its crisis management council Monday morning.

Apprehend armed men

Climaco said she has instructed police and military forces in the city to "apprehend all persons who are armed."

"Lahat ng walang license to carry guns should be apprehended by the police and military," she said.

It said affected passengers may "rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from original departure date with no penalties, or opt for full travel fund or full refund."

Passengers may call (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888 within the day for their preferred option, it added.

Coast Guard on heightened alert

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard went on heightened alert over the incident, dzBB's Rodil Vega reported.

The Philippine Information Agency also said boat trips from Zamboanga City to Basilan and Jolo were suspended Monday morning, quoting the Philippine Coast Guard in Zamboanga.— with reports from Reuters, Carmela Lapeña and Amita Legaspi/DVM/KG/HS/KBK, GMA News